F
eeling sluggish and inadequate? Eagerly awaiting spring,
but worried you won’t be ready to perform when the big
moment arrives? There are plenty of options when it comes
to boosting your performance and control in preparation for
the upcoming boating season. Here’s a look at how to eek the
most from your boat when it’s finally time to hit the water.Need for speed
Everyone needs a little “get up and go” at some point,
whether it’s that G-force-inducing hole shot or flat-out
running speed necessary to beat the competition to that
prime fishing hole.
One simple way to improve your boat’s speed is
by keeping your hull and running gear clean. Like
mom used to say, “A clean boat just runs better,”
so make cleaning, waxing and polishing a part of
your routine maintenance schedule. Your attention
to detail will pay off in more ways than just increased
speed and improved fuel economy.
Another relatively inexpensive way to enhance your
boat’s performance is upgrading your propeller. There
are a number of characteristics that determine how a new
propeller will perform when installed on a particular boat;
however, primary factors to consider are construction
material (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) diameter, pitch
angle, and the number of propeller blades.
Selecting the right propeller can help improve most any
aspect of boat operation, from higher top-end speeds, fuel
efficiency and better load-carrying performance.
While focusing on one specific characteristic may make
sense in some cases, keep in mind that a propeller, which
maximizes one desirable attribute, typically does so at the
expense of others. You may want a propeller that provides
good pickup out of the hole, fuel efficiency at cruising
speeds, and maximum performance at top speed; but
the only way to maximize each is by carrying three
different propellers. Most boaters will have to find
a happy medium — one where a propeller improves
the characteristic they want, but also delivers good
overall performance.Improving planing efficiency
Proper trim and efficient planing go hand
in hand. Achieving static (non-moving)
trim can be as simple as balancing your
boat by distributing weight (passengers,
coolers, portable fuel tanks, etc.) to keep
the hull floating level.Achieving stationary trim is
one thing; however, you’ll need to
make adjustments while underway
to account for speed, water conditions, direction of travel (with
regard to waves and wind), etc. Smaller boats, for example, will
ride bumpier in surface chop if left trimmed at calm water angles.
Fortunately, trim options for today’s boater aren’t limited to
asking big-boned Aunt June to reposition her considerable bulk
in an effort to provide a smoother ride. Tilt and trim controls
for outboards and sterndrive units provide an easy, touch-of-a-
button solution for making those “on the fly” adjustments. Trim
tabs (such as the Bennett SLT Self-Leveling Tabs) and products
like the Doel-Fin by Davis Instruments are popular aftermarket
installation options to help improve planing efficiency.
Proper stowage of gear and placement of passengers to
achieve proper trim and planing cost nothing except a little
planning and common sense. The SLT trim tabs mentioned
above cost around $130 or so (depending on the model),
while the Doel-Fin can be purchased for less than $40.Better control
While everyone likes to be in control, control on the water
can mean different things to different boaters. Satisfy your
inner cruiser and turn your sled into a glide-ride by adding
cruise control or, cooler still, a “Hot Foot” accelerator.
Improve loose, worn steering by upgrading to a higher
quality system and components like the Teleflex Extreme.
Take your steering up a notch by adding an autopilot, or
take complete control by adding a joystick driving system, such
as the Teleflex Marine Optimus 360 by SeaStar. This steering/
shift/throttle control system (designed for powerboats with
mechanically-controlled twin outboards) provides 360-degree
maneuvering capabilities when docking, negotiating crowded
areas, or loading onto your trailer.
What are the benefits? A top-notch steering
system delivers better control, while having cruise
control and Hot Foot allows you to focus on
steering without the distraction of working a hand
throttle (how could having a gas pedal on your boat
not be awesome?). Joystick control makes you look
like a pro, particularly when maneuvering
into that crowded yacht club dock to catch
the hot wings lunch special at the Tiki Bar.
As to cost, a new Teleflex Extreme system
runs around $250, while you can get a Hot
Foot for less than $200. ★moment arrives? There are plenty of options when it comes
to boosting your performance and control in preparation for
the upcoming boating season. Here’s a look at how to eek the
most from your boat when it’s finally time to hit the water.Need for speed
Everyone needs a little “get up and go” at some point,
whether it’s that G-force-inducing hole shot or flat-out
running speed necessary to beat the competition to that
prime fishing hole.by Capt. Frank LanierDON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE
Capt. Frank Lanier
is an award-winning journalist,
boat maintenance guru
and owner of Capt. F.K.
Lanier & Associates, Marine
Surveyors and Consultants
(captfklanier.com).Achieving stationary trim is
one thing; however, you’ll need toPerformance Enhancement
Get a much-needed boost from your boat’s engine.
Davis
Doel-FinBennett Self-Leveling TabsOptimus 360 by SeaStar18 APRIL 2015 | LAKELANDBOATING.COMgood pickup out of the hole, fuel efficiency at cruising
speeds, and maximum performance at top speed; but
the only way to maximize each is by carrying three
different propellers. Most boaters will have to find
a happy medium — one where a propeller improves
the characteristic they want, but also delivers goodProper trim and efficient planing go hand
in hand. Achieving static (non-moving)areas, or loading onto your trailer.
What are the benefits? A top-notch steering
system delivers better control, while having cruise
control and Hot Foot allows you to focus on
steering without the distraction of working a hand
throttle (how could having a gas pedal on your boat
not be awesome?). Joystick control makes you look
like a pro, particularly when maneuveringOptimus 360 by SeaStarRenovations_APR15.indd 18 3/2/15 12:40 PM